The Rathayatra parade and festival at New Govardhana started a little earlier this year at 10am. This was because the afternoon was filled with various functions in the main tent outside the temple room.

There were at least 700-800 devotees and visitors who attended and everyone was happy to hear and see the kirtans, dances, dramas and speeches. Prasadam was served throughout the day to the satisfaction of all.

Every year at Jagannatha Puri, the Rathayatra culminates at the Gundica temple, which is surrounded by lush gardens and tall coconut trees. Fragrant flowers and shady trees create a Vrindavan atmosphere.

Gundica Mandira is called the “birthplace” of Jagannatha Swami because on a special platform called the mahavedi, a celestial carpenter carved the daru that manifested the Deities of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra during the reign of King lndradyumna.

It is said that the wife of lndradyumna, the king who originally established the temple of Jagannatha, was known as Gundica.

The cleansing of the Gundica Temple – Gundica-marjana – by Lord Caitanya and His devotees, takes place the day before the Rathayatra festival as mentioned in the Caitanya-Caritamrita.